Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assented to Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law of Lagos State, 2021.
In July, the state house of assembly passed the amendment bill, which also makes provision for preventing the police from parading suspects before the media in Lagos.
Read Also: Lagos Assembly Passes Bill Preventing Parade Of Suspects
Section 9(a) of the amendment bill states: “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media”.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), the governor signed the law on September 30, 2021.
According to Onigbanjo, the provisions of the amendment bill include the conduct of criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platforms.
The bill also stipulates protective measures for victims and witnesses, as well as the establishment of a crime data register and criminal justice sector reform committee.
The statement reads;
Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the 30th of September 2021 assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, 2021. The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011.
In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the law.
The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform; the powers of Chief Magistrates to visit police stations; the prohibition of media parade of suspects; compensation to victims of crime; protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this law.
Onigbanjo stated that the introduction of the provisions reinforced the commitment of the government to the promotion of law and order, protection of rights of citizens, decongestion of correctional facilities, and ensuring a crime-free society in Lagos State.
